Macb firm’s demise blow for jobs and for Alex Salmond

The demise of the soft-drinks firm that inspired Alex Salmond’s “Plan MacB” – put forward as a Scottish alternative to Westminster’s plan for the economy – has deprived the First Minister of one of his favourite soundbites.

The First Minister brandished a bottle of Macb flavoured water in Bute House a few months ago as he praised the success of the firm – and called on the UK government to switch to a Scottish economic strategy by adopting a “Plan MacB”.

Scottish ministers have spent recent months calling on Chancellor George Osborne to adopt a “Plan MacB”.

Aberdeenshire-based Sangs, which makes and distributes fizzy drinks, juices and water, including the Macb flavoured water brand, went into administration on Monday. It employs about 60 people.

Owner Kenny Webster accused banks of acting without warning.

A spokesman for Mr Salmond said yesterday: “Each and every company that finds itself in difficulty – including Sangs – reinforces the need for a ‘Plan MacB’ approach.”

A Labour spokesman said: “This would be ironic if it wasn’t so tragic for the people whose jobs are under threat.”